According to a spokesperson for Gobions Woodland Trust, the oak trees were chosen because they provide an excellent habitat for insects, which in turn provide a valuable source of food for the local bird life.

The alder trees produce seeds, which are a popular food for siskins, and the holly trees provide berries, which are an important winter food for many species of birds.

They, along with 100 hawthorn bushes cost £625. Hertfordshire County Council contributed £250 from its Local Agenda 21 fund, a local resident gave £50 and Gobions Woodland Trust covered the rest.

Michael Jonas, one of the trustees for Gobions Woodland Trust, said the trees were also chosen because they will add colour to the upper Leach Field at all times of the year.

Michael also praised the number of volunteers, including a few local scouts, who turned out to help plant the trees.

"It has been a brilliant turn out, better than expected with many new faces turning up to help including some new residents and former residents of Brookmans Park. It was a real cross-section of the community and I would like to thank everyone who took part," he said.

The trust carries out regular work parties each Sunday and, of the 17 who carried out the work 11 were new to helping on such projects. Two turned up after seeing flyers posted at the gates of the field and four saw the tree planting mentioned on this Website.